Taking delivery of new boat this weekend- (On-board essentials?) 2025
NorthernBasser reply :
I'll finally be getting my new boat this weekend after waiting a looong 2 months from the factory. It'll be a Crestliner V17.
Not counting my little jon boat I used to have, this will be my first "real" boat at 43 years old. I've always fished on friends boats, but I didn't know the ins and outs of what they all had on-board. Essentials.
I know I need to get a rope for launching (will 50 ft work?).
Other things.
Fire Extinguisher (which I believe comes with it)
First Aid Kit
Whistle
Life jackets/cushion
Ropes for towing/tying up to dock
Air Horn
Dock fenders/bumper pads (any thoughts on one or the other)
Oar?
Spotlight?
Spare prop?
Certain tools?
I appreciate ANY insight you can give me. Whether it's stuff I should always keep in the boat, or any other tips I should know as a boat owner.
A-Jay reply :
Always 'file a float plan' meaning - tell a responsible adult where you're going, what ramp you'll be using and where you plan on fishing, most importantly - when you plan on returning.
And if you change the plan - TELL THEM .
It's also a very good idea to take a few minutes and collect the following info and leave it with them - as they will need it if there's a problem;
Your Cell Phone number (if you carry one), A description of your tow vehicle (year, make/model and tag numbers) same with your boat, motor & trailer along with registration numbers, your description, age & any health issues you may have as well as a list of med you may be on & why, ***The Name & Numbers of WHO this person should call ( U S Coast Guard, State / Local Police, Local Search or Fire Rescue) if you do not return on time ***** And if you plan on staying well past this time - you're going to have company if you don't let them know.
Also, check your states websites on boating safety and regulations. There may be requirements that you should know about before going out on the water.
Check to see what type / sizes fuses you have and carry some extras.
Have a reliable tire pressure gauge to monitor your tow vehicle & trailer tire air pressure.
A portable 12v air compressor & a trailer Jack can come in real handy as well.
Carry at least one spare boat plug and have it readily available.
Ensure you know how & can get yourself back into your vessel in case you fall over the side, especially if you fish alone. Using the out board motors 'trim' to help lift you onto the stern is a good way.
Have a spare 'kill switch' lanyard and always wear one when the Out board motor is running.
And then there's this ~ https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/boat-products.html
That should at least start you on your way.
Good Luck and Congrats on the new rig.
A-Jay
Ski213 reply :
Congratulations on the new rig.
I think you have a decent list. @A-Jay has some great advice. The most important tool on the boat is the one between your ears. The biggest thing is safety. Water can be pretty unforgiving.
Everybody is different in what they carry. I'd add a trolling motor prop, a couple towels, and some paracord. Probably good to have change of clothes as well. As far as tools I'd at the least have a knife, a couple screwdrivers and a couple different sizes of vise grips.
jbmaine reply :
I find an anchor a must have. You may never use it, but in the event of motor issues, etc. it will keep you from drifting into shore. Also if your boat didn't come with one, I really recommend a boarding ladder. Our boat has one on the stern, and it's really nice to know we have a good way to get back in the boat, should we fall out.
slonezp reply :
On 6/5/2018 at 9:06 AM, NorthernBasser said:I'll finally be getting my new boat this weekend after waiting a looong 2 months from the factory. It'll be a Crestliner V17.
Not counting my little jon boat I used to have, this will be my first "real" boat at 43 years old. I've always fished on friends boats, but I didn't know the ins and outs of what they all had on-board. Essentials.
I know I need to get a rope for launching (will 50 ft work?).
Other things.
Fire Extinguisher (which I believe comes with it)
First Aid Kit
Whistle
Life jackets/cushion
Ropes for towing/tying up to dock
Air Horn
Dock fenders/bumper pads (any thoughts on one or the other)
Oar?
Spotlight?
Spare prop?
Certain tools?
I appreciate ANY insight you can give me. Whether it's stuff I should always keep in the boat, or any other tips I should know as a boat owner.
Fire extinguisher is an option not standard equipment.
You will also need some type of transom saver while towing.
Will the boat have a trolling motor? If so, you can forget about oars.
Handheld spotlights take up a lot of space. I keep one on my boat but usually use a Maglight or a recent purchase of a high end tactical light.
If you are going to keep a spare prop and hub, you need a prop wrench and a 2ft piece of 2x4 to change the prop.
I keep basic hand tools, some sand paper, wire ties, and some electrical connectors on the boat.
I keep flares on the boat.
A jump box or jumper cables long enough to go from the TM battery(s) to the starting battery if the battery dies.
3dees reply :
don't forget the TP. keep mine in a coffee can.
slonezp reply :
On 6/5/2018 at 9:07 PM, 3dees said:don't forget the TP. keep mine in a coffee can.
Stop drinking coffee and you won't need the TP
Way north bass guy reply :
Not sure exactly where you’re from, but here in Ontario, there’s very specific rules about what you need to have onboard for safety measures. It goes by size of boat, the larger the boat is, the more things you need to carry like flares, throw rope, flashlight etc. Might want to check with your province or state to see if there’s any special rules to abide by.
boostr reply :
TP
J Francho reply :
Here's what the USCG says:
https://www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF
Tennessee Boy reply :
Your state should have a web site listing everything that's required. I think the things on your list should cover what most states require. Some states require a boater safety course. They can be taken online, take a couple of hours, and cost around $30 if I remember correctly. You should also get a discount on your insurance for taking the safety course that will cover the cost of the course in the first year and is gravy after that.
PNW LipRipper reply :
Don't forget lug wrench for trailer tires they are not same as your tow vehicle.
Congrats on the new boat
gimruis reply :
I think you'll find out what you may have forgotten or you need to add after a trip or two. Also, don't forget to post a photo of your new boat in the "show your ride" thread so we can see it.
slonezp reply :
On 6/6/2018 at 5:06 AM, PNW LipRipper said:Don't forget lug wrench for trailer tires they are not same as your tow vehicle.
Congrats on the new boat
I recommend a 4 way and a bottle jack.
WRB reply :
You need a throw cushion and PFD's. The trailer should come with a winch strap, not a rope. Take a few minutes to search boat launching techniques, lots of threads and vedio's to look at.
Remember new OB's require a break in period.
Take your time and enjoy your new boat.
Tom
SeriousBlack reply :
tackle box/fishing pole
TOXIC reply :
Also remember there are different requirements for different bodies of water for example, an anchor with the appropriate length of line, flares, day and night distress signals, etc. I know that Lake St Clair has some differing requirements from my home waters of the Potomac.
Here's where I am going to go a little off track. With all of the boating accidents lately plus the fact that you are a new boater, I would strongly suggest adding an EPIRB to your PFD. Especially if you are going to venture out on big water. As anglers, we need to step up our safety game.
Frisbie385 reply :
- I always keep a dry bag with a change of clothes on the boat. You never know when you may accidently take a swim. I also keep all of my rain and cold weather gear in that same bag.
- Spare trolling motor cable and handle
- Net
- Strikezone pocket knockers lure retrievers (best $5 I have ever spent)
- Hide a spare boat key somewhere. I have been out before and a buddy accidently hit his knee on my ignition switch and broke the key of inside. Glad I did not have to troll all the way back to the ramp.
- TP or wet wipes
- Marker Buoys
NorthernBasser reply :
Good stuff, thanks guys!
My list is now updated with your suggestions.
Super excited for Friday. Sadly, it's supposed to be storming I believe, so not sure if I'll take her out then. Maybe if it isn't too bad.
LionHeart reply :
Dude trust me, no matter what, get a spare plug and a decent paddle.
Yakalong reply :
Sounds like you or the above post have you covered, just add fish 
Further North reply :
On 6/5/2018 at 9:06 AM, NorthernBasser said:I know I need to get a rope for launching (will 50 ft work?).
20 ft., half inch bungee cord.
Trust me.
grizzy reply :
Not sure if anyone mentioned it..but dock line is a must!
Lots of good suggestions in here. Our state suggests some sort of air horn or whistle as well.
NorthernBasser reply :
Well I got the boat and was able to take it out for a bit with a friend.
Few things I learned right away. I need to practice on my backing (big time), and I need practice launching/loading.
When I launched, as I was backing in the water slowly, waiting to see the boat float up a bit, when it dropped, the trolling motor bracket hit/caught on the winch roller. Not sure what I did wrong there. Unless the bracket is sticking out further than it should be?
What do you guys recommend for dock fenders? I was looking at the cylinder ones. You have to air them up/down? That's something I didn't know. My boat is 17.5'. I read I should get fenders that are around 5-5.5" in diameter. But what about length? And is 2 enough?
Thanks again for all the help and tips.
NorthernBasser reply :
Another question. When hauling the boat, should I take the front pedestal/seat down? Or is it ok if it's sticking up?
William Snee reply :
I take the pedestal off the seat and put the seat directly into the pedestal plate or put both seats on the floor of the boat or back of the truck.
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